17. Etappe "Sartas Visitor Center"

Before I finally set off for Uzbekistan, I wanted to see Shakpag Ata, a mosque hewn into the rock. As the journey from Aktau and the return journey (80 km of dirt road) to Shetpe was too much for one day, I simply rented a room in the visitor center. My actual place to sleep was supposed to be in a yurt. On the advice of the staff, however, I decided to get a room. The mosquitoes were too bad outside at night. Given my close relationship with these creatures, I didn't have to think long about it. The rooms are simple but immaculate and all air-conditioned. As I was the only guest at the time, there was plenty of time to chat. As there is nothing for miles around except nature, I had to book food at the same time. I was able to try horse sausage and fermented camel milk, among other things. Not something you'd do every day, but definitely worth trying. There was plenty of food. After I'd already had a lavish dinner, I had to eat shashlik and fish at around 11.30 p.m. After that I was almost ready to burst. By the way, plenty of black tea is served with every meal.

Tomorrow we will visit the underground mosque and take a walk/drive to the beach.

06/21/2024: As planned, I took a trip to Shakpag Ata in the morning. These are a few rooms and niches carved into the rock on a slope. In terms of size, the whole thing is manageable but still interesting to see. Later, a group of mostly older men and women came, one of whom talked to me quite intensely. I had the impression that he was not entirely happy with my being there.

I wanted to go back to the visitor center and go to the beach. However, the ground was extremely soft and sandy, so it seemed more sensible not to try that with the motorcycle still heavily loaded.

I spent the afternoon talking, reading and packing.

For dinner this time we had a good portion of fried potatoes, with meat of course.

Later I had the opportunity to try a dessert made from camel milk. Not bad at all!